Hi There !

Trying to decide between ordering Eli's Cheesecake (Chicago) or
Junior's Cheesecake (New York City).  Unfortunately, all the feedback
on the web seems to be anecdotal.  ("Tastes wonderful...just like Mom
used to make"...)

That won't work for a data nut like me.

So I've placed my cheesecake quest on temporary hold.  Now I am looking
for sites/magazines that rate cheesecake and other food items based
upon some kind of objective criteria.


A 5-star answer would be one objective site that rates cheesecake, and one
objective site that rates non-cheesecake food items.

All comments (fattening or otherwise) greatly appreciated !
ron

---

Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 20 Dec 2003 18:54 PST

Ron,

I grew up in Brooklyn, where Junior's resides (and trust me, we
Brooklynites do not take it very kindly when we see references to
Junior's being in <quote> New York City <unquote>).

I actually went to high school just a few blocks from Junior's
flagship restaurant (a bonus Q to any researcher that figures out
which high school), and I ate at Junior's quite a number of times, so
I can tell you categorically -- formal ranking system or no...Junior's
cheesecake ain't that good!

(Now Ray's Pizza...that's a different keg of beer, entirely!).

Happy Holidays.

paf

---

Clarification of Question by nronronronro-ga on 20 Dec 2003 20:58 PST

pafalafa---thank you very much !

ron

P.S.   This Texan promises to never again confuse Brooklyn with New York City.
heh  heh  heh

Ron,

Thank you very much for accepting my findings as your answer. I've
reposted the material below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I could not find any rankings of cheesecakes based on "objective
criteria," but here are a few tidbits that you might find tasty.

Food reviews. Mostly cheesecakes, a few other goodies:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Give the gift of food 
http://www.post-gazette.com/lifestyle/20031207ggfoodp8.asp

No ratings, but a huge list of places that sell cheesecake:

Google Directory: Cheesecake
http://directory.google.com/Top/Shopping/Food/Baked_Goods/Cake/Cheesecake/

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Best wishes for the holidays!
pinkfreud

Terrific, pinkfreud.  Thanks !

ron

Hi, Ron!

I could not find any rankings of cheesecakes based on "objective
criteria," but here are a few tidbits that you might find tasty.

Food reviews. Mostly cheesecakes, a few other goodies:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Give the gift of food 
http://www.post-gazette.com/lifestyle/20031207ggfoodp8.asp

No ratings, but a huge list of places that sell cheesecake:

Google Directory: Cheesecake
http://directory.google.com/Top/Shopping/Food/Baked_Goods/Cake/Cheesecake/

Regarding the cheesecake choice: I am absolutely wild about
cheesecake. I would find it very difficult to choose between Eli's and
Junior's, but if forced to pick one, I'd go for Junior's. Something
about the texture. Surely, if they have food in heaven, it will be
very much like this. Only non-fattening. ;-)

I cast my vote for Eli's, especially the Snicker's version. Mmmmmmmm.

Ron,

Carnegie Deli in Manhattan. Ships overnight. None better. Trust me on this :)

http://www.carnegiedeli.com/

-=clouseau=-

> A 5-star answer would be one objective site that rates cheesecake<

Ron --

I wouldn't even attempt that.  Sicilian or deep-dish pizza?  New
England or Manhattan clam chowder?  However, because we like you so
much we would share a pair of family cheesecake recipes (one's a
pumpkin cheesecake) in the spirit of the season.

P.S. -- you'll need a bain marie.

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

I happen to know that Marie has been the bain of many.

For the best cheesecake around, get Missy to make one for you.

I speak from experience.

pinkfreud---please post as an answer.

As always, thanks!
ron

crabcakes, clouseau, omnivorous, digsalot---thank you soooooo much for
your comments.

omnivorous---your kind offer of recipes made me chuckle.  Last time I
was allowed in anyone's kitchen was 1977.  The smoke bomb I was mixing
caught fire and filled the house with smoke.

I'd better stick with 800 numbers and UPS... 

Thanks!!
ron